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A Winnipeg funeral home is keeping the penny alive for another month as part of a charity drive for Pennies from Heaven, the Winnipeg Free Press annual Christmas campaign.

"We will be collecting pennies for the entire month of February until the 27th. As a token of thanks, we will be distributing a new uncirculated 2012 penny to those who donate their old pennies," said Jody Nicholson, managing director of the Desjardins Funeral Chapel.

That guarantees the penny will keep cropping up, at least in Winnipeg, for a while longer.

"The event this month is a way to celebrate Pennies from Heaven and the great charity work for the Christmas Cheer Board and Winnipeg Harvest it accomplishes every year," Nicholson said.

On Feb. 27, Desjardins is hosting a final event at its St. Boniface funeral chapel at 357 rue Des Meurons. "From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., we will be offering coffee and cookies for a cent... just like the good old days," Nicholson said.

Starting around 1 p.m., the funeral chapel will host a presentation on the history of the penny.

The resident angel for Pennies from Heaven, Free Press reporter Kevin Rollason, said the month-long drive is greatly appreciated.

"While the penny itself is now heading to monetary heaven, the need of our local hungry continues for the money raised by our annual Pennies from Heaven campaign," Rollason said.

"Although our regular campaign is some months away, it would be wonderful if people could contribute their pennies now so our hungry will not be without."

A giant penny where coins can be donated is located at Portage Place near customer service.

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You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments.
All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.